Today we’d like to introduce you to LeeAnn Streams.
Hi LeeAnn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
As I was silently quitting my previous job, I was wracking my brain trying to figure out what I wanted to do next. I knew I didn’t want to be in an office building, office or cubicle anymore, so it was going to have to be something completely different. I’ve always loved a good party, and a good outfit, and seeing people happy and having a good time, so I knew I should lean towards events. I’m also the person everyone calls to help decorate and plan their events, so I figured why not? Around that time, my then 6yo daughter told me she wanted a Halloween, princess, unicorn tea party for her birthday. Challenge accepted! When looking for the right location to have her party, I couldn’t find what I was looking for and thought to myself, why not open one yourself? And from there an idea was born!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This process was anything but a smooth road! There were several times I wanted to throw in the towel and say forget it, but I pushed through. After talking to several other small business owners, I realized I was not alone in the problems I was having from contractor woes to city permitting to finances. Starting a brick-and-mortar business is definitely not for the weak, but I found the inner strength and relied on my faith to get me to the finish line.
We’ve been impressed with Aston Malone’s Tea and Party Room, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Aston Malone’s is stand-alone tearoom and event space in the Memorial/Westchase area of Houston. Our goal is to provide our guests with an upscale, sophisticated, posh, and joyful environment where you can share your experiences and create lasting memories while enjoying a warm cup of tea and a tier of teatime accoutrements. We feel as though the world moves so fast and we need to take more time to sit and socialize with the people closest to us and minimize cell phone use for at least the 2 hours our tea experiences last.
We specialize in Afternoon Tea service and offer reservation only, weekly morning tea service at 11am, as well as an early afternoon tea service at 2pm, and on weekends based on availability. We make sure every detail is noticed, from the food presentation to the teacup and teapot selection, and strive to provide excellent, inviting service so our guests will want to return and bring their friends again and again.
We provide two beautifully appointed tearooms, each with its own personality and character, to host our tea services and events. The Darjeeling seats up to 25 and boasts a Modernist, black and white monochromatic decor with black and white checkered floors and comfortable wingback chairs, and The Earl Grey seats up to 50 and boasts a beautiful, French Glam vibe with crystal chandeliers and queen’s thrones and all things sparkly! We love to host intimate, private events to include Private Tea Parties, Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, Children’s Tea Parties, Corporate Events, Church Groups, Social Clubs, etc. To make planning an event even easier, we offer in-house catering packages that include food, beverages, decorations and more. So, all our guests’ have to do is show up and enjoy their event with no hassle!
Tea is a noble drink enjoyed by people worldwide and it is more than a drink; it is a lifestyle. We want to bring this experience to Houston in an environment outside of the hustle and bustle of a hotel or restaurant, where most tea services are hosted, and offer something different to our guests! We want everyone to put on their fanciest dresses or dinner jackets, hats and fascinators, and feel a little extra glamourous, even if for a couple of hours. We can’t wait to welcome you in! ~Stay Fancy.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe consistency in our service, food quality and presentation, attention to detail and continually exceeding our guests’ expectations, is the key to success for this type of business. People that are accustomed to Afternoon Tea service have an expectation of what they should experience, and we plan to provide that plus some. For those that are experiencing it for the first time, we want them to fall in love with it and return!
Pricing:
- Afternoon Tea Service $70pp for Adults
- Afternoon Tea Service $40pp for Children 3-11
- In-House Catering Packages Starting at $2000 based on Guest Count
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.astonmalone.com
- Instagram: @astonmaloneteatime
- Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/xy2AEOQ7qd1Yv_AriX_Ang/
